Preventive Care

1-3Months

Nancy F. on January 19, 2022

I was Diagnosed with:

Cyst to cancer

Employment Status:

Employed

Gender/Age:

Female/55

Type and Description of Treatments:

My original diagnosis in 2020 and 2021 via ultrasound was that i had a small cyst in my breast that was too small to drain. On the persistence of my gynecologists Dr. Willbanks, I had a contrast MRI completed in October 2021 which they recommended a MRI guided biopsy even though they thought it was a cyst also. Results came back on November 19, 2021 that I tested positive for breast cancer.

How do you feel today?

I had the lymph node biopsy, nipple delay was done on January 11, 2022 and I am scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy on January 20, 2022 (tomorrow). I'm a little nervous because my family lives in New Jersey and I live in Virginia. I don't know what to expect and too scared to use google as my source of truth. My underarm is swollen, arm is numb and don't know why i didn't reach out to a support group to guide me.

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your life?

Perception on life.

What is going well for you right now?

I'm alive.

What is not going well for you right now?

The pain as a result of the lymph node biopsy.

What has been the most challenging thing about having cancer?

Not having my family here.

When difficulties overwhelm you, where do you go for support?

I call home and started talking to women who have had breast cancer.

How have your long-term goals or life goals changed since diagnosis?

The time in between the diagnosis and scheduled surgeries have created anxiety.

What is your work arrangement right now? What are your hours?

Starting tomorrow (1/20/22) I will be on STD for a minimum of 6 weeks and then again from May 2022 when i have my 3rd surgery.

Since the diagnosis, what has changed in your work life?

Stress

What has helped you continue to work the most?

Thinking of my grandson.

What advice do you have for others trying to work through treatment?

Reach out and talk to others.

How have you dealt with any side effects of treatment?

Haven't had any treatments as of yet.

If "today's you" could give advice to "day-of-diagnosis you," what would you say?

It's going to be okay.